Coffee, husks, skins and substitutes market in Zambia

Earlier Report Observations

The Zambian coffee market underwent a significant transformation between 2018 and 2024, characterized by a massive expansion of export volumes from 164 to 7 739 metric tons. This surge was primarily driven by the entry of new commercial players like Mount Sunzu Coffee Limited and was supported by regulatory frameworks such as the Food Safety Act of 2019 and mandatory quality standards enforced by the Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency. These measures improved the international competitiveness of Zambian coffee, facilitating greater market access under regional trade agreements.

Domestic coffee production remained stable at around 8 500 to 9 000 metric tons annually throughout the period. This consistency was underpinned by the foundational Coffee Act regulating the industry and sustained government policy focus on agricultural exports. Later initiatives, including targeted investments in production infrastructure and capacity building announced in 2024, were aimed at leveraging the country's natural advantages to support future growth.

The rapid rise in exports directly reduced the volume of coffee available for domestic consumption, with the local market size contracting from 8 469 to 3 217 metric tons. Concurrent amendments to the Competition and Consumer Protection Act further shaped the market environment, reinforcing a policy shift toward private-sector-led growth and enhanced consumer protection standards.

Production coffee, husks, skins and substitutes in Zambia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of coffee, husks, skins and substitutes, 2017-2020

World map of production of coffee, husks, skins and substitutes, 2017-2020

In 2020, Zambia produced 8 760 tonnes of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes, marking a slight year-over-year decline of 2.7%. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 8 515 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 9 004 tonnes. The most significant decrease was observed in 2018 at 2.8%, whereas 2019 saw the largest increase of 5.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Zambia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports coffee, husks, skins and substitutes from Zambia

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 164 tonnes and peaked in 2020 at 2 853 tonnes, representing a 17-fold variation. In 2020, shipments from Zambia abroad showed a sharp increase of 96.5% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 92.1%, while 2019 experienced the most substantial increase of 785.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Zambia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States remained the key partners for exports in kind, accounting for 31.2%, 23.9%, and 17.6% of total flows, respectively. Together, these three countries represented 72.7% of all exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Zambia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market demonstrated volatility over the observed period. Exports varied by 12.3-fold, with a low in 2018 at 544 thousand US dollars and a high in 2020 at 6 687 thousand US dollars. In 2020, deliveries from Zambia showed a steep year-over-year increase of 100.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 91.2%, while 2019 saw the most significant increase of 513.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Zambia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017–2020, the Netherlands, Germany, and the United States continued to be the main buyers of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes from Zambia in value terms, with shares of 35.1%, 22.8%, and 16.1%, respectively. Collectively, they formed 73.9% of total exports by value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Zambia in value, 2017-2020

Imports coffee, husks, skins and substitutes to Zambia

Imports in kind, t

Imports of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes into Zambia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 93 tonnes, reflecting a 6.2% decrease year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 118 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 16.6%, while 2018 saw the most substantial increase of 24.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Zambia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa remained the dominant source for imports in kind, holding a 73.5% share of total flows, with the remainder distributed across other markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Zambia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes to Zambia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports registered 459 thousand US dollars, which is 20.4% lower year-over-year. Over the period 2017–2020, imports decreased by 29.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -11.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 805 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 28.4%, while 2018 saw the most significant increase of 23.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Zambia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2017–2020, South Africa remained the primary source for coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes imported into Zambia, accounting for 74.9% of total imports in value terms, while the remaining volume was spread among other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Zambia in value, 2017-2020